Internet Society Foundation Beyond the Net Grants support Internet Society Chapters with funding for projects focused on connectivity, online safety, affordable access and an open, trustworthy Internet.
The Internet Society Foundation Beyond the Net Grant Program provides funding for eligible Internet Society Chapters to implement locally focused projects that expand meaningful access to an open, trusted and globally connected Internet.
Opportunity Overview
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Program | Beyond the Net Grant Program |
| Organization | Internet Society Foundation |
| Open to | Internet Society Chapters |
| Application status | Closed |
| Maximum simultaneous grants | 2 |
| Maximum combined funding | USD $55,000 |
| Application platform | Fluxx Grants Management System |
The current source page lists the application status as closed. Interested applicants must also be registered in the Foundation’s grants management system at least 24 hours before the application deadline.
What the Beyond the Net Grant Program Supports
The program is designed to strengthen the impact of the Internet Society and Internet Society Foundation through complementary local activities, while helping Chapters build relationships and partnerships within their communities.
Projects may focus on:
- Community-Centered Connectivity for unconnected and under-connected populations.
- Affordable and Reliable Access, including initiatives supporting local Internet interconnection infrastructure.
- Online Trust and Safety, including digital safety knowledge and skills.
- Open and Trustworthy Internet, including education and awareness around an open Internet, fundamental rights and trust in digital technologies.
Who Can Apply?
The grants are available to eligible Internet Society Chapters.
Chapters generally need to:
- Be in good standing or qualify for pre-rejuvenation consideration.
- Have an official bank account in the Chapter’s legal name.
- Not be undergoing a rejuvenation process.
- Have submitted required reports for previous Internet Society Foundation-funded projects.
- Not be in an election period.
A Chapter can manage up to two simultaneous Beyond the Net grants, with a combined total not exceeding USD $55,000.
Funding Limits and Project Requirements
Chapters seeking to manage more than USD $35,000 must have successfully managed a single Internet Society Foundation grant of at least USD $20,000 within the previous three years.
For grants exceeding USD $20,000, the proposed project must involve at least one external partner, such as a local nonprofit, business, university or another Internet Society Chapter. Partnership documentation, such as an MOU, must be included.
Projects should have clear objectives and a cohesive focus. Applications combining multiple unrelated projects under one proposal will not be considered.
Projects receiving more than USD $20,000 must run for at least six months and should not exceed 24 months.
Application Processing Time
Applicants should allow at least eight to ten weeks between submitting an application and the proposed project start date. Applications submitted less than eight weeks before the proposed start date will be declined immediately.
Foundation funding cannot be used for expenses incurred before the grant agreement has been signed.
How Applications Are Evaluated
Applications are screened against the program’s objectives and priorities. Key considerations include:
- Clear project objectives and realistic targets.
- Relevant key performance indicators.
- A coherent work plan.
- Strong relationships with collaborators and communities.
- Appropriate technical specifications and equipment.
Proposals requesting USD $20,000 or more are subsequently reviewed by the Beyond the Net Selection Committee.
Required Documents
Applicants must submit the required application materials through the Foundation’s grants management system. The source specifically identifies the following:
- Budget
- Workplan
- Equipment request form, where applicable
- Equipment Tab if equipment funding is requested
The Foundation also requires a three-tab budget report template as part of grant reporting.
How to Apply
Applications are submitted online through the Fluxx Grants Management System. Chapter officers should use the same login credentials used for Fonteva/AMS.
Internet Society Foundation – Beyond the Net Grants
Application Deadline
The supplied source currently shows the program as Closed and does not provide a new application deadline.
Important Grant Conditions
Beyond the Net grant recipients must submit narrative, workplan, project objective and financial reports through Fluxx. Grant recipients must also maintain detailed financial records and receipts because projects may be audited during implementation and for up to four years after completion.
The program also prohibits certain uses of grant funds, including lobbying, bribes and gifts or entertainment above USD $25, subject to the Foundation’s stated rules.
Opportunities Feed Assessment
This opportunity is specifically designed for Internet Society Chapters rather than individual applicants. Organizations considering an application should therefore first confirm their Chapter’s eligibility, current grant commitments, reporting status and proposed project timeline.
The source also makes clear that submitting an application does not guarantee funding and that proposals are evaluated based on the submitted content and the Chapter’s previous grant performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can apply for Beyond the Net Grants?
Eligible Internet Society Chapters can apply. The program is not presented as an individual scholarship or individual grant.
How much funding can a Chapter manage?
A Chapter can manage a maximum of two simultaneous Beyond the Net grants, with a combined value of no more than USD $55,000.
Can a Chapter apply for more than USD $35,000?
Yes, but the Chapter must have successfully managed a single Internet Society Foundation grant of USD $20,000 or more within the previous three years.
Are external partners required?
For single grants exceeding USD $20,000, the proposed project must be conducted with at least one external partner.
How long can a funded project run?
Projects exceeding USD $20,000 must run for at least six months and should not exceed 24 months.
Does applying guarantee funding?
No. The Foundation states that submitting an application does not guarantee that a project will be funded.
Can Chapter officers receive compensation?
Reasonable compensation is permitted, but direct monetary compensation such as salaries, stipends and honoraria cannot exceed 20% of the total grant budget.
Can a Chapter collaborate with another Chapter?
Yes. A collaborative project requires a lead applicant, which takes responsibility for grant-related reporting. Participating Chapters must provide acknowledgement letters for the application.
Disclaimer
Opportunities Feed is sharing this opportunity for informational and career purposes. We are not affiliated with the Internet Society Foundation and do not recruit applicants on its behalf. Applicants should verify all requirements, application information and program status on the official Foundation website.
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